'We've stepped up the safety protocols around the dressing room' - James Anderson after Covid-19 cases emerge in England camp

Ahead of day two of the third Test in Melbourne, a few Covid-19 positive cases had emerged in the England camp. Owing to this, the match started 30 minutes late as the entire squad had to undergo tests. Only after the players returned with negative tests the play was resumed.

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Opening up about the entire scenario England’s pacer James Anderson stated that they have brought up stricter rules wherein wearing masks and keeping distance have been made mandatory to ensure that the infection doesn’t spread.

“We've stepped up the safety protocols around the dressing room, wearing masks and keeping distance whenever possible as well. So if there is any infection around the group hopefully it's not spread. We've not been told anything about the future of the tour up to now but as long as the group in at the ground today are negative I can't see why we can't carry on. As far as I'm aware the whole playing group and the management at the ground today feel fine,” Anderson said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

England yet again experienced a batting collapse where they lost four wickets before stump on day 2. However, according to Anderson, the side did well with the ball initially. He further credited the opposition’s bowlers for their performances.

“I thought we did really well to stick at our task with the ball throughout the day and I thought we were really good at sticking to the lengths we talked about and the pressure we wanted to create. Then to lose four wickets before the close was really disappointing. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were outstanding but that's what you expect from world-class bowlers. It shouldn't take anyone by surprise they bowled like that and it's disappointing to lose four wickets like that,” Anderson added.